Paralyzed Veterans of America Comes to Houston for Recovery Effort

Share This Article

WASHINGTON, DC - 9/12/17 Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today announced a team from its national office will join its local Paralyzed Veterans leadership to further outreach efforts for local veteran members affected and displaced by Hurricane Harvey.

“This devastating storm has affected more than two hundred Paralyzed Veterans of America members,” said President David Zurfluh. “Our Texas Chapter has been working around the clock since the storm, reaching out to these individuals to assess the extent of their personal and property damage, and processing grant applications to alleviate some of the more immediate needs. We are trying to ensure they can replace life-sustaining medications, medical equipment, mobility assistive devices; as well as the basic necessities of food, clothing and, in the worst cases, shelter.”

“We also want to ensure the hardworking medical staff at the Houston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Spinal Cord Injury Unit, who has also been working around the clock since the hurricane, caring for veterans who are injured, displaced and/or in shock are fully aware how much we appreciate and rely upon their commitment and dedication to those who have served and sacrificed for us,” added Associate Executive Director Lana McKenzie, RN, MHA, CCM

Wednesday, September 13, 201712noon-2pmCT: Paralyzed Veterans staff gather at Paralyzed Veterans’ Texas Chapter to
assemble “go bags” for veterans. The “Go Bags” will contain basic survival items such as a phone charger, a flashlight, hand sanitizer and a whistle. They will also contain critical information and an item for people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D): medical emergency cards with warning signs and treatments of the life-threatening danger of Autonomic Dysreflexia, and an inflatable donut to help mitigate the occurrence of pressure ulcers, which can also be life-threatening for SCI/D individuals.

Thursday, September 14, 201712noon: Paralyzed Veterans of America on-staff nurses and leadership team to hold an appreciation lunch for VA SCI/D nurses and clinicians in SCI Unit.Producer Note:One-on-one nurse interviews available with advance notice. Please call.

1:30pm-3:30pmCT: Paralyzed Veterans of America medical services team to tour the VA SCI Unit, visit with patients, and assess current conditions and critical needs.Producer Note: Patient interviews may be considered with advance notice. Please call.